Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of aspects to consider. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with you and your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight and movable, and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and into your car boot.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a child. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. These are usually easy to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option since they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on the top. The seats are generally bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, a baby or three children with the addition of an additional buggy board.
Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single pushchair from birth then convert to a double by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and a very high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
At beginning, having a younger sibling could seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the baby. They might also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one along and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything simpler. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat as the bassinet.
We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, which can include the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you may be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats that are next to each other, which means your children will be able see each other. twin pushchair are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat at the front and another at the back. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them to bike rides or day excursions where they may prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired during longer trips.
Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. A solid and reliable double stroller will simplify life especially if you need to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.